Synthetic Pitch Maintenance

Education for Xtreme Turf and ACTurf clients

All over the world more and more sports clubs and federations are doing themselves – as well as their players and coaches – a huge favour by deciding to have one or several synthetic pitches installed. Players and coaches are particularly enthusiastic about artificial pitch playing characteristics, which results in a higher quality game with fewer worries about injuries. Clubs and federations, on the other hand, are delighted with the all-year round availability and incredible durability of their artificial turf fields.

The need for maintenance
Strange as it may seem, there is one important aspect that is often overlooked. Synthetic pitches have a higher intense use compared to natural turf sports fields. This is due to longer hours per day, no weather-related stoppages and a higher amount of foot and ball traffic.

Just as any other sports facility, a synthetic pitch needs care and maintenance to stay in good shape – grounds men and women need not worry about becoming obsolete. Where people fail to do the necessary work on a regular basis, fields will tend to start looking ragged, especially in those places that are heavily played upon (e.g. in the goalmouth and central areas). This effect is caused by the gradual dislodgement of rubber particles in these areas, which of course, is not a pretty sight. But apart from aesthetics, there are even more important reasons why this should not be allowed to happen; the very playability; usability and longevity that people love about their synthetic pitch sports fields are compromised. What’s more, if artificial pitches are not or insufficiently maintained any guarantee becomes void and FIFA test criteria (if applicable) may no longer be met.

Why maintenance is a must
   •    Keep your synthetic pitch in good condition
   •    Avoid degradation of heavily used playing areas of the synthetic pitch
   •    Avoid general compaction of the sports field turf infill
   •    Ensure maximum playability, usability and longevity of the artificial pitch
   •    Live up to your indoor sports field’s guarantee requirements

The cost of neglect
We know from experience that people considering the purchase of one or more artificial sports pitches rarely stop to think about the additional funds needed for care and maintenance. Even if they do, they often don’t take it seriously enough and tend to leave the job to cheap second-rate parties. They become startled in a relatively short period of time when constant neglect causes serious field quality problems to arise. Unfortunately, by then it’s usually too late to turn the tide; the financial damage has been done.

Solid maintenance programs for synthetic pitches should include ways to handle:

   •    Different circumstances and varied intensity of use
   •    Post installation care
   •    Oil spillage
   •    Stain removal
   •    Load limits

Other considerations for artificial pitches
ACT Global Sports strongly recommends that clients obtain test reports from their supplier which proves the quality and durability of the artificial pitch products. The FIFA-standard testing performed at certified, independent laboratories are excellent. ACT Global Sports has developed a quality maintenance program to fit the high intense uses and demands of synthetic pitches. To learn more about this important program, please feel free to contact us.